I just laid a guilt trip on my mom, a life-long Democrat.

[Blue-Jay]

She called me a few minutes ago to quiz me on how I'm going to vote. She's for a referendum that will allow a WalMart superstore to be built on her end of town. We already have EVERY store that you've ever heard of in town, but none that are close to her neck of the woods.

She's retired and doesn't like to drive much, so she's looking forward to some "developments" that will save her 10 minutes drive-time. I advised her that I'll be voting against the permit to build, and even offered to drive her wherever she needed to go to shop.

She then (of all horrors) compared me to my freeper brother, who is also unwilling to bend on political issues. I have to say that in all honesty, I understand her comparison. I disagree, but I understand.

Here's why I feel like shit: I accused her of putting her own needs in front of the needs of the community. Her parting statement was "How can I have had two sons that are so similar in their pigheadedness, yet still so different?"

Begrudgingly, I have to admit that she has a point. I feel like "the bad son" after proselytizing to her on the evils of big business, even though she'll ultimately benefit from it.

The only up-side is that she'll still vote ABB next year. If the local referendum fails, I'll be her personal chauffeur, and gladly so. It's a small price to pay.

[JVS]

1. How was that a guilt trip, or was it an attempted guilt trip that failed?

[ant]

2. a good tactic

It sounds like you accepted her point, which is good, but next time, if possible, point out how the solution she's choosing isn't really a solution at all.

In this case, the store may be 10 minutes closer, but given the traffic that erupts around those things it's doubtful she'll actually save 10 minutes on the trip time. She'll just end up sitting in traffic, waiting at lights, etc. These kinds of developments offer only short term solutions, often creating bigger problems in the process.

I find that people are more open when you acknowledge their concern and then, rather than say their concern should be different, discuss how your view is a better solution. Sometimes you can't do that, of course, but such is life.

As for feeling guilty, send her a card or flowers or something out of the blue saying nothing but "I love you!" Moms love that. :)

Hmm...I think I'll go do that for my mom right now....

[DoNotRefill]

3. Ummm...there are two theories:

""How can I have had two sons that are so similar in their pigheadedness, yet still so different?" "

First theory: Nature. Genetics. In which case, it's HER FAULT.

Second theory: Nurture. How she raised you. In which case it's HER FAULT.

That oughta shut her up....

;-)

[Blue-Jay]

4. hahahahaha!

My bro is a good guy, aside from being a Republican. He's the first Puke in the family, but he's also the first one to volunteer to help me clean the leaves out of my gutters. One of these days, I hope I can lead him to the light. Fortunately, his wife cancels out his vote.

I actually appreciate him. He's a fine example of a person that I respect yet am still at odds with, politically. I'm going to go out on a limb here: Not all Pukes are evil. Some are just misinformed. I'll turn him around if it's the last thing I do. It's good to have a mission.